Information Transfer: The actions of The Center will not interfere with, or disrupt, the activities of agencies or private business operators as they handle individual cases. However, The Center will help residents and municipal leaders identify potential sources of assistance when confronted with problematic wild animal problems. To help provide this information The Center will:
- Make information available to the public and localities through a dedicated website and toll-free hotline maintained by The Center which serves as a clearinghouse for current information pertaining to all aspects of nuisance wildlife management. They will provide:
- A list of certified service providers,
- A repository for state-of-the-art information on best management practices,
- Life history and ecology accounts of common “problem” species, and
- Sources of materials used to minimize conflicts with wildlife.
- Quick access to timely resources and management recommendations to resolve problems with wildlife in Virginia.
Training: There are needs in Virginia for professional development opportunities and increased public awareness on nuisance wildlife issues within 3 specific audiences: 1) day-to-day practitioners and other “first responders” directly involved in the handling of problematic wildlife, 2) decision-makers and/or individuals who develop and implement policy that deals with problematic wildlife, and 3) individuals who interact with or disseminate information to members of the public who experience problems with wildlife. To help address these needs The Center will develop targeted professional development training opportunities to address nuisance wildlife management, which will:
- Practitioners: Develop and conduct credit-bearing professional development training workshops for practitioners who address nuisance wildlife problems daily. These courses will address:
- Regulatory issues,
- New state-of-the-art capture or handling techniques, and
- Other topics designed to keep professionals highly proficient and effective.
- Policy Makers: Provide municipal leaders and those responsible for determining policy with up-to-date information, situation background and analysis, and socioeconomic tools that they need to establish effective nuisance wildlife policy or plans. Potential content areas for these workshops may include:
- Assessment and understanding of public perception and reaction,
- Effective public forum techniques,
- State and federal wildlife regulations,
- Public education, and
- Current management options.
- Responders: Target individuals who directly interact with the public on nuisance wildlife issues or who receive initial complaints in order to properly prepare them on:
- Where to direct callers so they receive specific answers for their problem and to help ensure that all constituent needs are met in a timely manner.